Rail-block clamp



Jan. 14, 1930. R. 5. BLAKE 1,543,419

RAIL BLOCK CLAMP Filed July 24, 1928 Inventor Attomqy UNITED STATES PATENT FFICE RONALD G. BLAKE, 0F CHAMBERS PRAIRIE, WASHINGTON RAIL-BLOCK CLAMP Application filed July 24, 1928.

The present invention relates to improvements in clamping devices, and has reference more particularly to a rail block clamp.

Rail blocks are used on railroads in conjunction with switches, frogs, or any place where two rails come within three to five inches of each other. In such places, foot blocks are placed on the inside of both rails to prevent persons from catching their feet beneath the ball of the rail which has oftentimes caused the loss of life, or resulted in serious injury being sustained.

One of the import-ant objects of the present invention is to provide a simple and eflicient means for clamping such blocks in position, and the simplicity of my device will save considerable time and labor in securing the blocks in position.

Still a further object is to provide a rail block clamp which is inexpensive, strong and durable and further well adapted to the purpose for which it is designed.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing.

In the accompanying drawing wherein like references indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is an edge elevation of the clamp embodying my invention showing the manner in which the same secures a block in position on a rail, and

Figure 2 is a detail perspective view of the rail block clamp showing the same in use.

In the drawing wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown the preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 1 designates generally a conventional rail, the head of which is designated by the numeral 2, the web by the numeral 3 and the base flange by the numeral 4:. The usual wooden block that rests against the web 3 and is disposed between the head 2 and the base flange i as shown at 5.

Serial No. 295,079.

My improved clamp comprises a strip of spring metal that is bent intermediate its ends to provide a base portion 6 that extends transversely beneath the base of the rail, the vertically disposed leg portion 7 of this spring strip of metal being slightly inclined for disposition against the outer inclined face of the wooden block 5. The other end of the spring strip is bent upwardly, as at 8 to provide a clip that engages with the base flange 4 at the opposite edge thereof so that when the parts are arranged as shown in the drawing, the spring clip 8 will cooperate with the inclined vertically disposed arm to positively hold the block 5 in position. 7

The clamp can be readily and easily disengaged by striking the upper edge of the spring clip 8 so as to disengage the same from the base flange, and then the clamp can be easily removed.

The provision of a rail block clamp of the above mentioned character will obviate the necessity of having to drill holes through the web of the rail or the base flange for securing the clamp in position and due to its simplicity, the clamp can be constructed at a very low cost, yet be strong and durable, and at all times positive and eflicient in carrying out the purposes for which it is designed.

l/Vhile I have shown the preferred embodiment of my invention it is to be understood that minor changes maybe made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claim.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is The combination with a rail, of a block adapted to rest against one side of the web thereof between the head and the base flange,

the outer face of the block being inclined; and

a clamp comprising a flat strip of spring steel having its intermediate portion extending across the bottom face of the base of the rail, one end of the strip being bent to provide an elongated vertically extending leg that is disposed at an incline to embrace the outer inclined face of the block, said leg engaging the adjacent edge of the base flange of the rail, the free end of the leg terminating below the upper edge of the block, the other end of the strip being bent to form a relatively short spring clip of the same width as the strip for engagement only with the adjacent side edge of the base flange of the rail. a In testimony whereof I afiix mysignature.

RONALD G. BLAKE. 

